Child Bride

I was ten when I married Just after my periods started I was a woman now, my father said One day I was playing, The next my ma & aunts were fussing around me Look what we have for you, you lucky girl! Put your dollies down, ma said This is a special day for you. I left my friends playing happily in the street They dressedme in a sparkly red-and-gold outfit My hands were hennaed. Ma gave me full make-up Beautiful nose rings and anklets Like I was a princess, don't you know? She pressed vermilion pigment on my forehead Turmeric on my body My father lifted me onto the back of the donkey And off we went. I thought it was a game I felt so proud and pretty, everyone looking at me Only my grandmother turned away with a tear I had to kneelbeside a strange old man I think he was 30, older than my father The burning incense made me choke a little The priest was swaying & chanting Someone placed a garland of flowers Around my shoulders There was dancing, sweets and feasting. I grew tired. Such a long day for such a little girl! Can I go home now ma? I asked my mother That was when she told me I was married My home forever now was with his family That strange old man who had knelt down beside me One of my aunties whispered before I left No more school for you little one. Now you must feed their cattle Cook their meals, wash their clothes and dishes Do it nicely, or your groom may beat you That night I lay in the dark in a strange house The old man entered me forcibly I cried out in pain. He hit me and covered my mouth So much terror! Next day I couldn't move. The women gave me a bath Listen, son, my mother in law told my husband Her 13 year old cousin died last month…internal injuries Her genitals were torn, she bled to death Maybe you should wait till she's 11? Now I'm 12 and pregnant. An auntie died at my age She struggled 3 days trying to give birth. A girl in the next village told me this. I pray I will not die when my time comes Think of the future, my mother in law tells me Give us a boy. Future? I have no future. The river beyond my hut Is deep and swift. One day I'll let it sweep away my sorrow